IRCC Updates Work Permit Policies for Caregiver and Skilled Worker Programs, Reduces Experience Requirements

IRCC Updates Work Permit Policies for Caregiver and Skilled Worker Programs, Reduces Experience Requirements

Date of update: 2025-07-30 | Source: IRCC | Program affected: Work Permit

Summary: IRCC has updated program delivery instructions for occupation‑restricted open work permits (C90) and bridging open work permits (A75), aligning them with ministerial instructions amended on 2024-06-16 for the Home Child Care Provider (HCCP) and Home Support Worker (HSW) caregiver pilots. Key changes include a reduction in required caregiving experience to 6 months, acceptance of foreign work experience, and a single submission opportunity for proof of experience. Additional clarifications affect non-Express Entry PNP files and Quebec skilled workers/Quebec investors. IRCC has issued a program delivery update covering occupation-restricted open work permits (C90) and bridging open work permits (A75), with broad procedural changes to reflect ministerial instructions first amended on 2024-06-16 for the HCCP and HSW caregiver pilots. The update clarifies eligibility pathways and documentation standards across multiple permanent residence and work permit categories. Key changes for caregivers (HCCP and HSW):
- Work experience reduced from 12 to 6 months for the gaining experience category.
- Foreign work experience is now accepted toward eligibility.
- Experience earned within 36 months before applying can be counted up to the date the applicant demonstrates the requirement is met.
- Only one opportunity to submit work experience to IRCC for a permanent residence decision. Work permit instruction updates:
- C90 (occupation‑restricted open work permits): Guidance now includes situations where caregiver PR applicants meet the experience requirement before receiving their occupation‑restricted OWP.
- A75 (bridging open work permits): Instructions updated to reflect the new caregiver ministerial instructions. Additional program delivery clarifications:
- Non‑Express Entry PNP: Under “Documentary evidence,” IRCC clarifies the applicant does not receive a stage 1 decision letter.
- Quebec skilled workers: Instructions now include Quebec investors who applied for permanent residence and received an IRCC completeness check letter. Independent analysis:
- Positive impacts: The 6‑month experience threshold and acceptance of foreign experience can accelerate permanent residence pathways for caregivers, broaden eligibility, and reduce periods of employment uncertainty. Clearer C90/A75 guidance should streamline processing and reduce refusals due to technicalities. Including Quebec investors under the skilled worker guidance improves predictability for that cohort.
- Potential risks: The single‑submission rule heightens stakes for applicants; incomplete or poorly documented experience submissions may lead to adverse outcomes with limited recourse. The PNP clarification that no stage 1 letter is issued could create confusion for third parties relying on interim decisions, underscoring the need for careful file management. This update signals IRCC’s continued effort to align work permit operations with caregiver program reforms and to clarify documentation touchpoints across PNP and Quebec streams.

Tags: IRCC, Canada immigration, Work Permit, C90, A75, Bridging Open Work Permit, Occupation‑Restricted Open Work Permit, Caregivers, HCCP, HSW, Ministerial Instructions, Provincial Nominee Program, PNP, Quebec Skilled Worker, Quebec Investors, Permanent Residence, Policy Update, 2025-07-30